Saturday, 31 August 2013

On Monday we practically skipped along to Notting Hill Carnival, so happy were we to have the day off work. We were feeling jubilant and in the mood for a party, and Notting Hill certainly didn't disappoint. It seemed the whole of London was out on the streets - dancing, drinking... and some more dancing. Having stocked up on Red Stripe (Jamaican beer, the only kind to drink at Carnival) and covered ourselves (and then some) in glitter, we dived straight into the parade.

Our views of the costumes, feathers and booties were pretty enviable, but I think these guys really trumped us with their spot. They could watch thousands of revellers snaking their way around the streets of Notting Hill, all from the comfort of their own home (or just outside it).

I don't know if it was the Red Stripe or the heat from the sun, but everyone was getting pretty intimate. Some took it to a new level though...

One of the things that impressed me most was how relaxed and friendly the many policeman were. A couple even let us try on their policeman hats for a photo, and kindly warned us how sweaty the insides were... whilst we had them on. Delicious.

If you haven't checked out this dance-off between three policeman at Notting Hill this year, make sure you do so now! You'll be lining up to join them next year.

Thursday, 15 August 2013

I don't know about you, but personally I love to draw out my birthday for as long as possible. With this in mind, we headed to the 40th floor of the Heron Tower at a very untimely hour last Friday - all in the name of Birthday Brunch.

When you first arrive at the tower in East London, you're greeted by a lady who shows you to this glass lift. Now, I was half expecting the elevator to go all Charlie & The Chocolate Factory on us - it went so fast! Nevertheless, we made it up there in one piece and were greeted with killer views of London.

Duck and Waffle itself is a very cool, fairly modern-style restaurant. The waiters are super friendly and chatty which may be something to do with having their heads up in the clouds all night and day.

My English Breakfast tea came in a stylish transparent teapot which I was highly tempted to put in my handbag - but I decided it wasn't that kind of place.

I have it on good authority that the full english breakfast is delicious, despite a slightly disappointed face on its arrival due to the size. Looks can be deceiving though, and my fellow bruncher left the heavens very well-satiated. If you're a fry-up connoisseur, these were the team players: pork & herb sausage / two eggs, any style / streaky bacon / grilled tomato / field mushroom / hash browns / scottish black pudding / trotter-braised beans / sourdough toast.

I went for the more restrained(!) option of waffles with nutella and banana..... with an extra side of bacon. I didn't want to get food envy and start attacking my breakfast partner for meat! Whilst we were tucking in, we watched a confident lad stride across the restaurant to ask a gorgeous blonde for her number - with great success! That's the lack of oxygen for ya.

I'd highly recommend the Duck and Waffle for a cheeky date, Birthday brunch, or even just a Tuesday morning. There's something extra special about being so high up so early in the morning; even if the rest of your day sucks, at least you had breakfast in the clouds!

Monday, 12 August 2013

To celebrate my 23rd birthday, I gathered friends from up & down the country to come party at the Gatsby's for one evening (& early morning). We dressed up the garden in gold & white splendor, and everyone turned up in their finest twenties threads. Suffice to say, it was a majestic evening, complete with the requisite extravagance and revelry.

Thanks to this dapper boy (ladies, he's on the market), we had Gatsby-esque tunes to last us into the early hours. One of my favourites of the night:

Around 4am we all piled into my Zandra Rhodes tipee and passed out, already excited for hangover tea & croissants in the morning. Such a memorable evening, thank you everyone!